ALT Linux SysV-TDE is an open source Linux distribution, a derivative of the ALT Linux TDE edition, engineered to use the SysV (UNIX System V) init specification. It uses the Trinity desktop environment.

Distributed as 32-bit/64-bit bootable Live CDs

The main difference between this flavor and the original one is that the latter is distributed as a Live CD, while the first one is available for download only as installable ISO images, deployable on 64-bit or 32-bit architectures. The ISOs can be written to blank CDs with a CD/DVD burning software or deployed on USB thumb drives with the well known UNetbootin application.

Boot options

At the boot prompt, users will encounter several options that are not available on other ALT Linux editions. For example, you will be able to rescue a broken system, as well as to install the operating system with or without I/O APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller) specification that provides multi-processor interrupt management. You can also use the boot menu to run a memory test or start an existing operating system. However, if you want to use this distribution, you’re only choice is to install it.

Installing ALT Linux SysV-TDE

The installation process is quite simple, allowing users to choose their preferred language, set the timezone and location, choose a disk partition, choose bootloader destination, configure network, set root (system administrator) password, and create a new user account.

Includes the same apps as ALT Linux TDE

It includes the same applications that are bundled with the TDE edition of ALT Linux, as well as the same desktop setup. TDE (Trinity Desktop Environment) is a fork of the old-school KDE3 desktop environment.

Bottom line

Summing up, if you have no idea what SysV is don’t even bother to download this edition of the ALT Linux operating system. Instead, go ahead and grab the ALT Linux TDE flavor, as it will allow you to test it before installing it.

ALT Linux SysV-TDE was reviewed by Marius Nestor, last updated on December 24th, 2014